Hedgehog Flea vs Pigeon Louse Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Hedgehog Flea Pigeon Louse Fly
Scientific Name Archaeopsylla erinacei Pseudolynchia canariensis
Order Siphonaptera Diptera
Family Pulicidae Hippoboscidae
Size 2-3.5 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Blood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Europe, North Africa Cosmopolitan - worldwide wherever pigeons occur
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Hedgehog Flea

A large flea specific to European hedgehogs and one of the most abundant fleas in Western Europe. A single hedgehog can harbor hundreds.

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Did You Know?

Hedgehogs are so commonly infested that an average individual carries about 100 of these fleas.

Pigeon Louse Fly

A flattened, tough-bodied blood-sucking fly found on pigeons and doves worldwide. It has a leathery appearance, strong claws, and wings that allow it to move between bird hosts.

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Did You Know?

It is the primary vector of pigeon malaria, a Haemoproteus blood parasite that infects domestic and wild pigeons.